Parts of an English Saddle & Billets

English and western saddles actually share many of the same components but English riding saddles are most easily identified by their simple, compact design and lack of a saddle horn. It is important for new riders to learn about the different parts of the saddle, especially when learning about proper saddle care and riding position.

  1. Basic Components

    • The seat of the English saddle is where the rider sits. In front of the seat is called the pommel. The lip at the back of the saddle is the cantle. The cantle is turned up to provide back support for riders and keep them from slipping off the back of the saddle. The jockey is a small flap on the side of the saddle's seat. It covers the stirrup bar, which is where the stirrup leather and stirrup are attached to the saddle.

    Internal Components

    • Inside the saddle is a saddle tree. The tree provides the frame that the saddle is built around. The tree helps distribute the rider's weight across the horse's back. The gullet is the channel that goes through the underside of the middle of the saddle. It prevents the saddle from sitting directly on the horse's backbone. The bars that are attached to the tree determine how the saddle will fit the horse. The panels on the underside of the saddle providing additional cushioning.

    Flaps

    • The saddle flaps are located under the stirrups, below the seat. They are sometimes called fenders. They exist primarily for the purpose of keeping the rider's leg from rubbing against the rigging. Many English saddles have knee rolls on the flaps. Knee rolls are extra sections of padding on the front of the saddle where the knee rests. They help maintain leg position.

    Rigging

    • The rigging on an English saddle consists of three billets. The billets are underneath the saddle flap. The girth can be attached to two of the three billets. It does not matter which two, though the first and last billets are most commonly used. There are billets on both sides of the saddle for the girth to be attached to. The billets are long, slender leather straps with holes punched in them.